Close the tap: Belgian authorities urge prudence as heat puts water reserves under strain

Friday, 28 June 2019

As soaring temperatures put groundwater levels under strain, authorities urged residents to keep an eye on the tap. Credit: Pixabay

Residents must be more prudent in their water consumption habits as the temperatures brought on by the heatwave hikes temperatures to record highs, several municipal authorities in Belgium said Friday.

Local officials in the provinces of Luxembourg and Namur have asked residents to refrain from filling pools or watering their lawns under fears that overconsumption of water may put local reserve levels under strain or even bring on a drought.

Outdoor swimming pool near Namur

“The resupplying of groundwater reserves is not done correctly,” Philippe Libertiaux of Namur’s inter-communal water distribution services told Le Soir, adding that the region was “hindered” during heatwaves because it was not naturally rich in water.

“Prudence is key,” he said.

A concern echoed by Walloon water authorities, who called on residents of highly populated areas, such as Brussels and Charleroi to keep a vigilant eye on the water tap.

“It is wise to be careful,” spokesperson Benoît Moulin said.

The city of Tellin, in the province of Luxembourg, went one step further and limited water consumption to a “strict household” use in order to preserve groundwater levels.

In Flanders, a drought brought on by last year’s soaring temperatures stirred authorities into action, as they prepare to roll out region-wide plans to better administer water use in the region and better prepare Flemish towns and cities for warmer weather.